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Identifying Frequency of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Firefighters.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Torres, VA; Strack, JE; Dolan, S; Kruse, MI; Pennington, ML; Synett, SJ; Kimbrel, N; Gulliver, SB
Published in: Workplace Health Saf
October 2020

Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a nationwide problem; yet, no firefighter mTBI data are available. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed retrospective head injuries using WHO guidelines. We captured mTBI frequency and examined firefighters' symptoms (e.g., using Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification method, Brief Traumatic Brain Injury Screen, Warrior Administered Retrospective Causality Assessment Tool). Findings: Of 1,112 firefighters contacted, 60 responses were included. Most participants were White (80%), male (90%), former athletes (75%). 62% met mTBI symptom criteria. 75% reported at least one lifetime head injury. Number of head injuries and depression symptoms were associated (r = .36, p < .05). Conclusion/application to practice: Overall, it appears most firefighters have sustained at least one lifetime mTBI. Those with multiple head injuries may be at increased risk of depression. Occupational health professionals should be aware of firefighters' mTBI risk. Further research is warranted given findings.

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Published In

Workplace Health Saf

DOI

EISSN

2165-0969

Publication Date

October 2020

Volume

68

Issue

10

Start / End Page

468 / 475

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • United States
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Occupational Injuries
  • Military Personnel
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Firefighters
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
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Torres, V. A., Strack, J. E., Dolan, S., Kruse, M. I., Pennington, M. L., Synett, S. J., … Gulliver, S. B. (2020). Identifying Frequency of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Firefighters. Workplace Health Saf, 68(10), 468–475. https://doi.org/10.1177/2165079920922576
Torres, Victoria A., Jordan E. Strack, Sara Dolan, Marc I. Kruse, Michelle L. Pennington, Samantha J. Synett, Nathan Kimbrel, and Suzy B. Gulliver. “Identifying Frequency of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Firefighters.Workplace Health Saf 68, no. 10 (October 2020): 468–75. https://doi.org/10.1177/2165079920922576.
Torres VA, Strack JE, Dolan S, Kruse MI, Pennington ML, Synett SJ, et al. Identifying Frequency of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Firefighters. Workplace Health Saf. 2020 Oct;68(10):468–75.
Torres, Victoria A., et al. “Identifying Frequency of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Firefighters.Workplace Health Saf, vol. 68, no. 10, Oct. 2020, pp. 468–75. Pubmed, doi:10.1177/2165079920922576.
Torres VA, Strack JE, Dolan S, Kruse MI, Pennington ML, Synett SJ, Kimbrel N, Gulliver SB. Identifying Frequency of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Firefighters. Workplace Health Saf. 2020 Oct;68(10):468–475.
Journal cover image

Published In

Workplace Health Saf

DOI

EISSN

2165-0969

Publication Date

October 2020

Volume

68

Issue

10

Start / End Page

468 / 475

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • United States
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Occupational Injuries
  • Military Personnel
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Firefighters